Santa visits Minter Field

Christmas came early for Shafter residents who ventured out to Minter Field on Saturday morning. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus gave the parents and children watched Old St. Nick arrive in an airplane, with Mrs. Claus and a helper to assist him with his gift giving.

The event was sponsored by the Minter Field Air Museum, which holds the event each year.

Each child gets a stuffed animal, courtesy of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a big thank you to Petsmart of Bakesfield, which donated all of the stuffed animals that were given out.

According to Museum Director Ronald Pierce, Petsmart has been giving the museum the stuffed toys for several years, giving them over 300 toys this year. They were helped by Shafter High's Key Club in handing out toys to all of the children.

There were refreshments served, and Santa and Mrs. Claus let all of the children visit with them and sit on his lap, letting him know what they were wanting for Christmas.

"The smiles on the kids' faces are the best part of the event," Pierce said.